Hugh’s Jazz Club

Hugh's is a jazz club on the 13th floor of a building on De Beer Street in Braamfontein, opened in January 2026 as a partnership between the Hugh Masekela Heritage Foundation, represented by the trumpeter's daughter Pula Twala, and the team behind Play Braamfontein. It is named after Hugh Masekela, the great South African trumpeter and composer, and it was created as an intimate listening room for live jazz, with views across the city skyline from its windows.

The stage mixes emerging local talent with established names. Performers have included Keenan Ahrends, Lucas Senyatso, Robin Fassie and Swazi Dlamini, along with the Kids Love Jazz Band, which gives a sense of the range from young players to experienced artists. The focus is on listening, so expect audiences to keep conversation down during sets. There is a light food menu with items such as burgers and fish and chips, but the music, the room and the view are the reasons to come.

Hugh's opens only on show nights. At the time of writing that means Thursdays, with doors at 18:00, music from 19:30 and closing at midnight, and more nights may be added; check the website for the current programme. Tickets are sold online through Quicket and may be available at the door if the night has not sold out, but seating is limited, so booking ahead is strongly recommended.

The dress code is described as your idea of black tie. Smart, stylish clothes are encouraged, and sportswear and flip-flops are not welcome. It is a strictly 18-plus venue, so bring valid ID. It suits couples, jazz fans and anyone looking for a special night out in the city centre.

Arrive when the doors open at 18:00 to get settled, order food and take in the view before the music starts at 19:30.

The entrance is on De Beer Street next to the market entrance. Braamfontein is busy in the evening, but use a ride-hailing app to arrive and leave rather than walking around the area late at night. Kitchener's and The Artivist are nearby if you want a drink before the doors open.